Job Description

Listing reference:

ukzn_000686

Listing status:

Online

Apply by:

31 October 2025

Position summary

Industry:

Education & Training

Job category:

University and Academy

Location:

Pietermaritzburg

Contract:

Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration:

Market Related

EE position:

Yes

Introduction

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to Employment Equity with the intention to promote representativity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from the designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan. (UMngeni-uThukela Water Chair, in Water Resources Research and Innovation, 5 year fixed term appointment, School of Engineering, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Pietermaritzburg Campus).

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of the top five Universities in Africa, and among the top 500 universities globally. UKZN has a Research Chair position in Water Resources Research and Innovation funded by uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) for a 5 year period. UKZN is seeking an exceptional scholar at Professorial level to occupy this prestigious Chair and drive its quest for excellence in applied research, human capacity development and innovation.


The Chair is expected to develop a world-class research group including the training and supervision of postgraduate students and delivery of high impact innovative and use-inspired applied research outputs. The incumbent is required to develop a research programme aligned to the UUW Research, Development, Technology and Innovation (RDTI) Strategy and Innovation Policy, and to spend at least twenty five (25) percent of his/her time devoted to research on UUW solicited projects. The Chair is also required to facilitate and promote interdisciplinary applied research projects within UKZN, and to collaborate nationally and internationally on research projects of mutual interest to both UKZN and UUW. The Chair will also coordinate UUW funded research activities undertaken at UKZN and facilitate collaboration between UKZN and UUW.


Generous funds are available to cover the remuneration packages of the Chair and staff to enable the Chair to execute its duties, for research, development, technology and innovation based on the Chair-holders initiative, for student bursaries, postdoctoral fellowships, and for conducting small projects.

Minimum requirements

A research doctorate and experience in water resources research related to a discipline in Engineering or Natural Science. Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline. A demonstrated track record in establishing, leading and managing successful research team(s) and innovative research programmes. Excellent and sustained track record of successful attraction of external research grants. Excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level. Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department/School/College/University, which includes mentorship and coaching. Excellent and sustained publication record of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.

The term of office for this position is five (5) years. In the case of applicants who are permanent staff members of UKZN, the successful applicant will resume his/her substantive position at the end of this term of office.